Specials, The

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A must see for fans of comics, superheroes, and LAUGHING.

By IGN Staff

A little preface...

I had the privilege of seeing this film last summer at the San Diego Comic Con, and then spent some time speaking to the cast and crew. It was apparent from the first few minutes of the film and the first few minutes talking with the folks responsible for the film that it was indeed "special".

People who read comics for any extended period of time catch the things that are wrong with the biz, with the films made from comics, and the personalities involved. Mystery Men tried to capture the feel and only succeeded on a few levels thanks in part to some talented actors. This film did so much more with so much less. Sadly, it didn't get a huge theatrical release like it deserved but it's home now and anyone who likes comics, likes to laugh, and has about an hour and twenty minutes handy needs to get this film right away.

This is the best work Richard Dawson has ever done.

The Movie

Not everyone can be the best.

The Specials are not the best. In a world where superheroes exist, they're about 6th or 7th on the depth chart. Instead of members who can fly around and leap tall buildings, they have a guy who has the proportionate strength and agility of a weevil. Nobody in this team has the deductive powers and combat skills that Batman does, but if you need an egg laid look no further.

Little Hwan loves his James Caan action figure!

The Specials takes place on a day off from fighting crime. A day where team meetings and a party to launch their toy line takes place.

A subpar superhero team on their day off. That's what makes this film so fun.

"But sir, Mr. Schumacher feels he can add a lot to your film."

Rob Lowe, Thomas Haden Church, Jamie Kennedy, and James Gunn (the writer of the film) are only a handful of this superteam whose members bicker, flirt, and screw around during a day that would normally fall between issues on a comic's run. It's the focus on these trivialities that are so much fun though...

Minuteman (James Gunn) is having a problem designing a costume that doesn't make him look gay, and has to deal with the fact that people mispronounce his name (I won't spoil the joke). Amok (Jamie Kennedy) just wants to get laid and wreak havoc, but "the rules" get in the way (some of the film's funniest moments are the uncouth ideas and comments uttered by Kennedy's former supervillain). The Weevil (Rob Lowe) wants to be legitimized. The Great Strobe (Thomas Haden Church) wants to be taken seriously as the team's leader and his wife Ms. Indestructible (Paget Brewster) just wants him to shut up.

Hank McCoy's retarded cousin, Pete.

Power Chick (Kelly Coffield) has to baby-sit The Alien Orphan (Sean Gunn) and deal with her own 12 Step issues. Mr. Smart (Jim Zulevic) is intelligent as hell but still coming to grips with how to use it. US Bill (Mike Schwartz ) is strong as an ox and half as smart. Deadly Girl (Judy Greer) has a slight attitude problem due to her time spent amongst the dead. There's also 8, a being consisting of 8 bodies sharing one brain and the team's newest member Nightbird (Jordan Ladd) who has to deal with half the team trying to get in her pants.

If you don't find this scene funny, you need to check your pulse.

So there's your team.

Three seconds later, Meg Ryan was a viscous puddle.

The fact this is an R rated film not afraid to be a little profane when need be makes all the difference in the world. It's smart when it needs to be, laced with inside jokes when it needs to be, packed with some potty humor when need be, and sometimes just a little heroic when it needs to be.

People making comedies AND people making big budget superhero films could learn a little something from this little gem.

Lookin' like a young Sean Young... only better.

For example:

Toys. There's a hilarious scene where the toy line is revealed and anyone who's bought a toy for a comic or film only to be repulsed by how asinine it is (Batman doesn't USE guns fool!) will get a chuckle at how funny and how TRUE it is.

Origins. Folks like Chris Claremont like to offer up a character's origin every three issues, and The Great Strobe has no qualms in doing the same.

"Corporate Heroes". Some of the classier and better funded teams are all about business and merchandising, not unlike some comic publishers and movie studios.

Nipples. There's a great jab at the Batman costume more focused on a huge codpiece and nipples that function.

And on and on...

"I have some bad news guys... Rob Liefeld's doing our comic."

The acting's just right, with my personal favorites being Greer, Church, Gunn, and Kennedy. This is like a #0 issue to a great comic that sadly, we'll never see. That said, the folks involved seemed to really have a blast making it. In addition, the work behind the lens is just right, whether doing a spot-on spoof of a toy commercial or showcasing the everyday routines it all comes together.

Are there slow parts? Not really, as the film is so short. Is it going to win any awards? No, because it's not made for that. This film isn't meant to replace Batman, it's a sly comedy that will find a nice audience on video. It's a fun flick that I can't get enough of.

Kudos to the whole gang (director Craig Mazin, writer Gunn, and the production team) for a breath of fresh air.

With mediocre power comes mediocre responsibility.

8 out of 10

"I've got your SCREAM right here..."

The Video

It's impossible not to love this girl.

What can you say? The picture is crisp and clear and shows no signs of artifacting or distortion. It's a very nice job, especially considering that the film is free of action or flashy special effects. It's not going to be the kind of film you use to demonstrate your $15,000 home theater, but you'll see a lot worse on a LOT of more expensive and high profile films.

Above average, and Anamorphic!

7 out of 10

The Audio

Presented in Dolby Digital Surround, it's a fairly solid presentation, though the music sequences could use a little more "oomph".

"Here goes the budget!"

The dialogue is front and center and crisp while the limited though effective atmospheric sound FX do a good job of filling the bottom end with the music. Once again, like the video... it probably won't replace Fight Club or T2 as your "demo DVD", but it won't make you sad either.

7 out of 10

The Extras

Here's a treat that continues to please...

A few of you folks know about my day job at CHUD.COM (I get enough folks telling me to shut up already about it anyway... well, the same 3 folks at least). Well, not only does this DVD have a fun commentary track with the writer/star, director, producers, and FX guy but it also features the first (and probably last) time we'll ever get mentioned on a DVD commentary. Right towards the end they extend thanks to the folks who supported the film, and sure enough they give love to my little site. I made a big deal about this film then and I'm making a big deal about it now. It's a blast, and the commentary is filled with nuggets of info, laughs, and little jabs here and there. Good stuff.

In addition, there's a handful of deleted scenes (nothing Earth shattering, and considering the film's short running time it's a surprise they weren't in there in the first place), the trailer, and a few other little bells and whistles from the film (including the hilarious toy commercial).

It's not LOADED, but it's a pretty "special" edition.

8 out of 10

I love this film, and while I was worried it may not have the same impact a year later on video, it's even better. I catch new funny things each time and really feel this'll be a film that grows and grows over time like This is Spinal Tap has.

Nick Nunziata has the superpower most would kill for. He can make his wrists appear 30% larger to anyone wearing a Member's Only jacket.